32 Week Check In

32 weeks and growing growing growing!!!  Baby is getting stronger every day (my poor ribs have been getting the brunt of baby's workouts lately) and my belly is getting bigger by the moment!  I actually had someone at work last week tell me about 1/2 way through the shift that I looked bigger than when we started!  Yikes!!  We now have less than 2 months to go before we get to meet our new little Mr. or Miss... so excited!!

How Big Is Baby?
 

• A squash and approaching 4 pounds.  Wowza!

Baby’s Development

• Baby may have turned so s/he’s in the head-down position by now, poised for the trip down the birth canal. And I may have noticed your nipples looking darker. That’s so a preemie can see them for breastfeeding -- isn't the human body so amazing?

How Big Is Mommy?

 

•  These pictures are from Monday, when Kevin and I went out to dinner to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.  :)  

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  Still having back issues, but they seem to be calming down a tiny bit.  I have a chiropractor appointment tomorrow, so we'll see if that helps.  I have noticed that I am much more sensitive to the heat.  I grew up in Florida- a total beach bum- and you couldn't possibly make it hot enough to bother me.  Now I find myself heading inside and hunting for cool air after only a few minutes of playing in the yard with Lucy.  It's pretty crazy. 
• Emotionally:  Wonderful, although I was pretty darn emotional on Monday.  It was very powerful to reflect on the first year of marriage with my amazing husband, all that we have accomplished, all that we have been through, and all that we have to look forward to.  I found myself tearing up (ok bawling, but don't tell anyone) more than once.  We are so truly blessed and, although I do know this and thank God for my blessings on a daily basis, sometimes when you hit a certain milestone you really open your eyes to see the full picture.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Appointment went well last Thursday.  I can't believe we are down to appointments every two weeks!  And soon, every week!  Yikes!  I have been cleared to travel to Pittsburgh and to South Carolina (although I think my OB thinks I am a crazy person for wanting to spend 12+ hours in a car at this point).  The NP (who I totally believe knows the gender) was toying with us a bit.  She asked if we had any guesses, then as we listened to the heartbeat (LOVE that sound), she said "Oh I don't know... it's right in the middle... could go either way."  :)  I know they know... but it's really cool of them to build up the surprise.

 Love/Hate:

• Love: Water!  Water water water water water.  To drink, to put my feet in (Lucy has a kiddie pool that I borrow... she doesn't mind).  If only I had water to swim in, I would be one fat and happy pregnant lady.  Hopefully we will get to enjoy a pool this weekend, then when we go down to South Carolina, I am FINDING some water to lay in... all.day.long.  I am going to beach myself like a belluga whale and everyone else can go do what they do.  :)  I love water.
• Hate:  That I am seriously becoming a wimp in the heat.  It's not like me and I don't like it.  I don't want to say I hate the hot weather... because I don't.  I wait all year for this stuff... but right now I hate that I don't love it like I used to.  Perhaps it's all of this extra weight I am lugging around these days.

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• Next OB appointment is next week. 
• Visiting the in-laws this weekend.  Although I am less than thrilled about spending 6 hours in a car, to spend one day with them... I'm hoping it will be a good trip regardless.

31 Week Check In

We are just moving right along...

How Big Is Baby?
 

• Pineapple... mmm.... I love pineapples!!!

Baby’s Development

• At 31 weeks, all of baby's five senses are working. Plus, s/he's going through major brain and nerve development

How Big Is Mommy?

 

 

•  Aaaah!!  Bare belly picture!!  This is Lucy and I just relaxing by her pool and me enjoying some yummy watermelon (yes, eating a half a watermelon, by myself, like it was a single slice) while Lucy begs.  

How Am I feeling?

• Physically: Doing pretty good.  I feel like I've hit my stride and am getting used to maneuvering this big old belly around... although I still bump into random objects from time to time when I forget just how big I'm getting.  
• Emotionally:  Great!  Baby is healthy, mommy is healthy and the end of this pregnancy road is drawing near.  As excited as I am to meet our little one, there are times where I actually think (believe it or not) that I might miss being pregnant.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Next appointment is tomorrow... not much else is new.

 Love/Hate:

• Love: Watermelon.  Nom Nom Nom (hence the picture of me grubbing down on half a watermelon.  I swear I could eat a whole watermelon every.single.day.
• Hate:  That I feel pretty good all day at work, then my back acts up when I get home.  I wish I could enjoy my time at home a little more (and maybe clean/accomplish a little more around the house)

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• OB appointment tomorrow!!  :)
• We are calling around to set up a consultation with a pediatrician in the next few weeks (wow!!  Can't believe we are at this point) and getting ready to take our baptism class.  It's getting really really real!!
• In non-baby news, Kevin and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary on Monday!!!  <3

30 Week Check In

We are 3/4 baked!  Holy cow!!!  I can't believe that my countdown is in the single digits for weeks... it's amazing.  I remember when I was counting down for my wedding and how exciting it was to have "less than 10" to go.  Next up will be 35/35... then it's the home stretch.  I am so thrilled to have made it this far and so excited to know that in a few short weeks I will be holding my little baby boy or girl.

How Big Is Baby?
 

• A cucumber long and well over 3 pounds now.

Baby’s Development

• 30 weeks, s/he’s not just moving a lot, s/he’s also plumping up. And as s/he continues to put pressure on my digestive system, I'm going to feel the effects: hemorrhoids (lovely), heartburn, pelvic pain and frequent urination are all common at this stage in the game.

How Big Is Mommy?

 

•  This is from this past Sunday, Mother's Day.  I will try to upload a new one soon.  :)

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  Back is killllllling me now.  The chiropractor appointment was a quick fix, but wore off just as fast.  I am trying to remember to be more diligent with my stretching... yeah... not doing such a great job so far, but I'll get around to it.
• Emotionally:  Great.  We have made a ton of progress with preparation and the nursery and I am starting to feel *ready*... although I'm sure that is subject to change and I anticipate a few more freak outs before baby arrives.  Otherwise, I am enjoying being pregnant... I know that despite all of the aches and pains, I will miss feeling this baby moving and groving in my belly.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Appointment went well last Thursday.  I was told that I need to gain more weight (just in case you don't remember, 2 months ago I was told to gain more weight... last month I was told to slow down on the weight gain... now we are back to gain more weight)... it's enough to drive me crazy.  Aside from my over/under weight gain (pffffff) everything else looks great.  I am now down to appointments every 2 weeks instead of every 4... exciting and nerve wracking all at once.  I'm kind of curious whether I will get to have another ultrasound, but every time I go in, I forget to ask.
• My in-laws surprised Kevin and I by buying several things off our registry.  We now have a pack-and-play set up, a mattress for our crib and a recliner waiting to be picked up at BRU.  The nursery is filling up fast.  We are so truly blessed to have such wonderful, generous family and friends. 

 Love/Hate:

• Love: I had a bit of an obsession with Olive Garden bread sticks this week.  On my way into work Monday, I called and ordered some to pick up... and by some I mean 2 dozen... and (of course) a pint of alfredo sauce.  I honestly had no intention of sharing.  I ended up eating bread sticks for 3 days and now I could care less if I ever see another bread stick in my life.  They were, however, absolutely delicious and everything I hoped they would be at the moment.  Satisfying a craving is a pretty rewarding feeling.  lol
• Hate:  Back pain... still.  Yep.  Still hate it.

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• Next OB appointment is next week. 
• My mom might actually be coming up to visit this weekend, which would be so awesome!!  I won't know until tomorrow whether she will be able to catch a flight, but I am keeping my fingers crossed!  If she comes up, I am going to try to sneak in for a quick 3D ultrasound... we'll see.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the wonderful  moms, moms-to-be, moms to angels and moms to furbabies...

Happy Mother's Day!

(*And to all the sons and daughters of wonderful mommies... CALL YOUR MOTHER!!!)

To my own wonderful mommy, I love you and hope you enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing Mother's Day!  <3

Y3W: Miss My Mom!!!

With Mother's Day right around the corner, I'm sure a lot of us are getting all sappy and sentimental about our mommies... or about being a mommy.  While it still hasn't fully hit me yet that this time next year I will be gearing up for my first Mother's Day as a ... well... mother... it did hit me today that I really miss my own mom and wish she lived a lot closer.

I had a wonderful, magical childhood followed by some rough and rowdy teenage years.  When I left to join the military, my mom and I grew both closer and farther apart in many ways.  In my 20's we finally started to reconnect and really made leaps and bounds in our relationship.  Over the past few years, we have really become good friends, which is something I always wanted (even if I didn't realize it as a teenager).  Now that I am 29 and just a few months from experiencing the roller coaster that is motherhood myself, I have really been spending a lot of time thinking about my mom.  I have developed a deeper appreciation and respect for who she is and how she raised me.  I catch myself daydreaming about my childhood and analyzing her parenting skills/decision... and you know what... I want to be just like her.  I want to get to know her even better and learn more about how she did what she did all these years.

I also find myself wishing that we lived much closer.  When I still lived at home, I always took for granted that she was there to talk to in the middle of the night, to ask advice, to laugh and cry with or to spend Saturdays shopping with... and rarely did I seize those opportunities.  Now more than ever, I regret that.  Now that I'm a thousand miles away, I would give anything for a Saturday morning coffee date or a chance to go to church together then cook out on Sundays.  To share the kitchen on Thanksgiving and get together for dinner on random week nights "just because".

To celebrate Mother's Day with her the way I always should have.

Luckily, she is only a phone call away and we do chat often, but for right now, that just doesn't seem to be enough.  I know I am fortunate, unlike many others that I know, to still have my mom in my life, alive and healthy as ever... but I'm feeling a little greedy today and I just kind of miss my Mommy.  :)

29 Week Check In

There is no hiding this bump now.  :)  Which is fine by me.  I can't believe next week, I will be 3/4 baked.  I told Kevin if the baby were cookies, it would be totally edible by this point, because I love my cookies still ooey gooey in the middle.  Good thing it's not a cookie... I want this little one to keep baking for a few more months so s/he is nice and healthy.

How Big Is Baby?
 

• A squash... and 3 pounds now!  Wow!!

Baby’s Development

• At 29 weeks, s/he’s not just moving a lot, s/he’s also plumping up. And as s/he continues to put pressure on my digestive system, you’re going to feel the effects: hemorrhoids (cute, eh?), heartburn, pelvic pain and frequent urination are all common at this stage in the game.

How Big Is Mommy?

•  This is from the weekend... I'll get around to adding a new one as soon as I decide I am camera ready... which... considering I jumped into some jammies the second I got home, will likely not be until tomorrow.

How Am I feeling?

• Physically:  My back is really starting to hurt.  I am finding that any position- sitting, standing or lying down- for long periods of time is getting to be painful.  I'm worried to think that I still have 11 weeks left and my belly is only going to get bigger.  Thank goodness I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for tomorrow.
• Emotionally:  Good.  I have been getting compliments left and right and have been told numerous times that I have that "glow"... which is a huge self esteem boost.  I have also been feeling baby move often and s/he even seems to respond to touch and the sound of my voice, which makes me feel even more attached.  I'm really loving this stage.

Any new developments, milestones?  Anything new?

• Still nothing new to report, but I do have an appointment tomorrow.

 Love/Hate:

• Love: Starbucks Frappucino Happy Hour.  Today I created a green tea coconut frap and it was uh-may-zing!!
• Hate:  Back pain.  I have mild scoliosis and I think my 8 years in the Marine Corps really did a number on my back.  I know back pain is normal with pregnancy, but I was afraid that, given my history, I would be in real trouble in this department.  Luckily up until the past week or so, it hasn't been a huge issue, but it is definitely starting to kick in.  I have seen a chiropractor for years (actually worked for one for almost 2 years previously) and I'm not sure that my monthly visits will cut it anymore.  I think I might have to talk to the doctor about increasing it to every 2 weeks.  :(

Any upcoming developments, milestones?  What's next?

• I have my next OB check up tomorrow and a visit with the chiropractor.  I'm not really sure what is on the agenda for the OB appointment, but I am praying that it doesn't include another fat talk.
• Our Amazon registry is complete, which is a huge sigh of relief.  We have been having issues with both Target and Babies R Us online (which is easiest for us to manage) so those still need some work, but 1/3 is pretty good... right?  Ok yeah... I need to work a little harder on that I guess.  :)

Project Nursery: Sneak Peek

Since we have opted to not find out the gender of our baby until he or she arrives, deciding on a nursery theme/colors has been a bit of a challenge, to say the least.  It's amazing that from the very first moments, everything seems to be strictly divided in pinks/purples and blues/greens.  I searched high and low to find a nursery set that would work for either a little prince or princess and came up empty handed.  Finally, after venting to Kevin about how difficult this whole project was, he looked at me dumbfounded and just said "Why don't you do a beach theme?"...

::insert light bulb blinking and fireworks going off here::

Duh!!  Kevin loves the beach and he is a boy... I love the beach and I am a girl.  Problem solved and Project Beach Bum Nursery was born.

I was then able to focus my bedding set search on beachy/tropical patterns, but still couldn't find anything I liked, let alone loved.  Finally, I thought "the heck with these bedding sets... I don't really need most of the items included anyway" and wandered through JoAnn fabrics, hoping to find some inspiration.  I came across this print...

 And the rest just snowballed from there.  


Kevin really took the beach theme and ran with it.  He found a really pretty aqua blue paint to pain the top half of the room, then found a sand colored paint, with sand texture to paint the bottom half.  The pictures don't do it justice... it's really a beach bum's paradise.

I found a cute sign at The Christmas Tree Shops that sums up our room perfectly...

We wanted to somehow incorporate our love of country music also, so we decided to snipe some quotes from some of our favorite beachy/country songs...

  



 












The almost finished room (minus the crib and recliner)...

 
Kevin found a cute sea turtle pillow (named Toby the Turtle) that he picked up.  Lucy immediately laid claim to this new find.

 Our crib finally came in last week, so Kevin and Lucy worked very hard to put it together...

And... ta-daa!!  The finished product (minus the mattress... of course)

It's still a work in progress and we certainly have some details to wrap up, but so far, I am very pleased with how everything is coming together.  :)  It's becoming very very real now.

Happy Birthday, Lucy!!!

Warning: This post may contain puppy picture overload.  Consider yourself warned...

It's hard to believe that our sweet little puppy monster is a year old today!

Just for kicks... here are a few of my favorite photos from Lucy's first year...

Since I had the day off and Kevin worked the early shift, we were able to celebrate our puppy's birthday like all good puppy parents should...

With a few drinks...
 

a car ride... (what dog doesn't love a car ride?)

a trip to the good dog park where Lucy made some new canine friends...
 

a dip in the lake... (yes, unfortunately, it really IS that dirty)


followed by a puppy ice cream sandwich from Heid's...


Later Lucy got a special treat after her dinner... 




a slice of Pup-pie birthday cake!

 I don't know who is luckier... Lucy for having Kevin and I to spoil her... or us for having such a fun, funny, sweet and lovable puppy to share our lives with.  Either way, we are one happy family.

Happy birthday, Lucy!!

In human news, Kevin and I enjoyed a yummy grilled chicken dinner.  We used a Teryaki marinade.  Kevin had his with Sirachi sauce and rice with veggies and I served mine over a delicious salad.  Yum!!  I LOVE having nights off with Kevin... it's so nice to be able to cook together and enjoy dinner together for a change!

OOTD

I haven't done one of these in a little while and, to be honest, it can be kind of tough to look and feel cute when your belly is beginning to balloon.  Since the hubs told me I looked "cute pregnant" today (whatever that means), I thought I would share...

• The skirt is from Old Navy Maternity collection  (super comfy, by the way)
• Tank top is Merona from Target
• Hot Pink Belly Band from an eBay seller

And, as usual, Lucy posing for the camera.  :)